When we talk about trauma in a clinical setting, we often get stuck in the biology of it all. We talk about the amygdala, the nervous system, and cortisol levels. And while that’s all true because the brain is an organ that bears the brunt of shock, it’s only part of the story.

In my recent conversations with Los Angeles based therapist and American Friends of NATAL board member, Dr. Dity Brunn, we kept coming back to a vital distinction: trauma speaks two languages. One is the language of the body that can include a racing heart and sleepless nights. The other is the language of the soul. It’s the language of betrayal, grief, and a feeling of “where do I go from here?”

As we look at the landscape of Israel today, we understand that community and relationships are playing an important role in resilience and new beginnings. For families, the rebuilding happens in the “space between” including our living rooms, kitchens, and the quiet moments between partners.

Beyond the Brain: Returning to the Language of the Soul

The Hebrew word for heart is Lev. In our tradition, it’s the center of our moral compass. Dr. Brunn pointed out that trauma creates a painful split where the mind knows you’re safe, but the heart does not believe that it’s true.

Healing is the work of “bringing it back to the........

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